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Evaluating expertise in forensic anthropology
Nicholas V Passalacqua1, Natalie R Langley2, Marin A Pilloud3
1Anthropology and Sociology Department, Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, North Carolina, USA.
Journal of Forensic Sciences
|April 24, 2023
Summary
Assessing expertise in forensic anthropology is challenging. Even experts struggle to identify non-experts, highlighting the need for formal credentials and certification in the field.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Anthropology
- Medicolegal Science
- Social Science
Background:
- The medicolegal system depends on accurate expertise assessment.
- Forensic anthropology lacks standardized criteria for expertise, certification, or licensure.
- Identifying expertise is crucial for expert witness testimony.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how individuals assess expertise in forensic anthropology.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of the Imitation Game in identifying expertise.
- To explore the challenges in distinguishing genuine experts from impostors.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the social science Imitation Game methodology.
- Recruited participants with varied expertise in forensic anthropology.
- Conducted interviews, transcribed, anonymized, and evaluated responses.
Main Results:
- Expert judges were better than non-experts at identifying non-experts.
- Nearly half of non-experts successfully imitated experts.
- Discourse-based assessment of expertise proved challenging.
Conclusions:
- The study underscores the need for defined credentials and mandatory certification in forensic anthropology.
- Accurate identification of expertise is difficult using interactional skills alone.
- Formal competency assessments are more reliable than discourse-based evaluations for determining expertise.
